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Ammonium nitrate (N 2 H 4 O 3 ) is a substance that is composed of a chemical reaction between ammonia and nitric acid. . Ammonium nitrate is generally used as a base for the manufacture of fertilizers and certain drugs. However, behind the benefits, is there any danger of ammonium nitrate for health?
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical substance that looks like grains of sand, odorless, and has a gray color. Apart from being used as an ingredient for making fertilizer, ammonium nitrate is also often used as a mixture of explosives in the mining and construction industries.
Not only that, ammonium nitrate is even used as an ingredient in making certain drugs, such as antibiotics and antacids. However, if not used or stored properly, ammonium nitrate can be dangerous to health.
Health Hazards of Ammonium Nitrate Exposure
The following are health problems that can occur if you are exposed to long-term or large amounts of ammonium nitrate:
1. Eye irritation
Ammonium nitrate can cause eye irritation. If your eyes are accidentally exposed to this substance, rinse immediately with clean water. However, if the eye irritation does not go away or gets worse, consult a doctor immediately.
2. Skin irritation
In contact with skin, ammonium nitrate can also cause skin irritation. This condition is generally characterized by skin that feels sore or hot and looks red. Rinse immediately under running water until clean if your skin is exposed to ammonium nitrate.
3. Respiratory disorders
Accidental inhalation of ammonium nitrate can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs. If ingested, ammonium nitrate can cause symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, and even fainting.
4. Blood disorders
Exposure to large amounts of ammonium nitrate can cause a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. This condition makes oxygen in the blood decrease and causes symptoms in the form of headaches, dizziness, and bluish skin and lips.
If not treated immediately, methemoglobinemia has the risk of causing organ dysfunction or even death.
In addition to the above conditions, ammonium nitrate can also cause serious injury and injury if it explodes due to improper storage methods. This is because ammonium nitrate has flammable properties when exposed to hot temperatures.
Precautions for Ammonium Nitrate Exposure
There are several steps you can take to prevent the risk of health problems due to ammonium nitrate exposure, including:
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Avoid direct contact with ammonium nitrate. You can do this by always using personal protective equipment when on the move in an environment prone to ammonium nitrate exposure.
The types of personal protective equipment that are generally used are:
- Gloves
- Protective clothing made from latex or silicone
- Boots
- Masks and face shields
- Goggles ( googles )
Store ammonium nitrate properly
It has been mentioned earlier that ammonium nitrate can explode when stored at high temperatures. Therefore, avoid storing these substances in a place that is easily exposed to hot temperatures.
It is also recommended that you check the packaging label when buying certain chemical products, such as cleaners or fertilizers. If the product contains chemicals that are flammable or explosive, make sure the product is stored at normal temperatures and away from exposure to heat.
If you are accidentally exposed to ammonium nitrate, especially if it has caused health problems, immediately take the steps outlined above or consult a doctor so that proper treatment can be done.
Label : Health
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